Friday, March 20, 2015

The 19th Medical Group and Humana hosted a provider collaboration meeting March 12 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

The purpose of this occasion was to strengthen and solidify relationships with downtown providers who network with the base.

“This provides an opportunity for our primary care managers and nurses to become acquainted with our TRICARE network providers,” said Leslie Kyer, the 19th Medical Group health system specialist. “We invited over 300 TRICARE network providers who have supported us over the years.”

More than 40 providers attended in addition to the base’s medical team. All participants were eager to meet and in many instances it allowed attendees to match names with faces for people they often communicate with over the phone.

This event provided an opportunity to improve professional relationships through collaboration and exchange of ideas as well as a chance for the 19th MDG to express their appreciation for the community’s continued support of their medical mission.

During the collaboration, Col. William Otter, 19th Airlift Wing vice commander, and Col. Douglas Littlefield, 19th MDG commander, welcomed and thanked the community medical providers for attending and all they do to support the active-duty members and families of Little Rock AFB.

After the networking portion of the event was over, everyone enjoyed a meal while Col. Littlefield and Kyer drew names for four guests to have the opportunity to enjoy a simulated ride on a C-130 or C-17.

“Based on the resounding success of this initial event, the 19th MDG plans to continue looking for opportunities to interact with our community medical partners in the future,” said Kyer.

Faces turn red as exhaustion from trekking through mud and rocky conditions takes its toll on the body. Sweat rolls down faces, but smiles are still intact. High hopes and excitement of what’s to come pushes the team forward to their goal; but the gravity of participating in the Bataan Memorial Death March keeps the hikers grounded.

Members from the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron have been training for two months for the march. They’re walking in remembrance to honor those who lost their lives during the forcible transfer of prisoners April 9, 1942. The team plans on marching 26.2 miles at the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. The annual event, which begins March 21, is expected to draw 5,000 participants.

The Bataan Memorial Death March honors American and Filipino prisoners of war, who after the battle of Bataan marched from Mariveles, Bataan, to San Fernando, Pampanga. They traversed 60 miles of treacherous terrain on foot and then boarded a box train which took them to Camp O’Donnel, Capas, Tarlac. Many of these heroes lost their lives along the way.

The team members are participating in the Death March in honor of World War II veterans, some are also doing it for more personal reasons.

“I will be wearing my grandfather’s and my father’s dog tags during the march,” said Kenneth Womack, a 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron rigger leader. “My grandfather was a World War II veteran and my father, an Army veteran, used to be stationed at White Sands, New Mexico.”

The team has been training for more than a month to endure the desert terrain and to ensure their bodies can handle the brutal conditions.

“Our goal is to finish the march in eight hours or less,” said Womack. “We intend on keeping a 3.5 to 4 miles per hour pace.”

The weather has hindered the team’s training by dropping snow, ice and other unwanted precipitation along with bitter cold winds. After Mother Nature was done, the team went back to training, working harder than ever.

After a 16-mile trek through the trails at Burns Park, the team was in high spirits. It was the team’s final practice before the event.

“I am feeling very confident after our training at Burns Park,” said Womack. “I had my doubts, but if we can hike through the hills of Arkansas, we make it through the sands in New Mexico.”

Altogether there will be 15 members leaving their footprints in the sands of New Mexico. There are three teams of five; the male military team, co-ed military team and a civilian team.

The team was overwhelmed by the support of the local community. The team was able to secure funds needed to participate in the march. Although the team is confident in finishing their march, many of the members will still be satisfied regardless of the outcome.

“It doesn’t matter what time we finish; what matters is that Little Rock is there honoring our veterans,” said Tech. Sgt. Patrick Chavez, a 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron noncommissioned officer-in-charge of air terminal self-evaluation.

The trek stands as a tribute to the camaraderie and resilience of the greatest generation that resonates to this day.

“I hope we all finish as a team, strongly and safely,” said Tech. Sgt. Douglas Karaffa, a 19th LRS aerial delivery supervisor. “This will be a great team building event and a great way to honor and remember those who were an amazing and tragic part of history.”

Chief Master Sgt. Robert Boyer, 19th Air Force command chief, visited Little Rock Air Force Base March 13, 2015, as the guest speaker for the 314th Maintenance Professional of the Year Banquet.

The chief spent time with senior noncommissioned officers, NCOs and Airmen. He also visited the 48th Airlift Squadron, 189th Airlift Wing, 714th Training Squadron and the non-prior service dormitories. He also attended the 62nd AS change-of-command ceremony.

At a luncheon with Airmen and NCOs, Boyer shared his perspective with members of a younger generation. He explained that there is a difference in each generation, and enlisted leaders need to adapt to communicate with “Millennials.” “When Airmen ask questions, it’s because they want to own the issue,” said Boyer. “Our Airmen ask questions because they care.”

He added that relationships are the key to communication with Airmen.

“It’s about relationships. You have to know how to work with people. You can’t parent like you were parented,” said Boyer referring to himself and other chiefs. “It’s up to us to change.”

The chief talked to the Airmen about the Profession of Arms Center of Excellence website, www.airman.af.mil. According to the site, U.S. Air Force Professionalism has four goals: Inspire a strong commitment to the profession of arms; promote the right mindset to enhance effectiveness and trust; foster relationships that strengthen an environment of trust; and enhance a culture of shared identity, dignity and respect.

Boyer charged Airmen to ask themselves, “When you walk away from the Air Force, what is your legacy going to be?”

While visiting maintainers on the flightline, the chief viewed innovation, fueled by Airmen. Senior Airman Laketa Kinghorne, a 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron member, presented an initiative produced by the communication navigation shop. The team created a new maintenance capability that can be performed on the communication cords used by aircrew during flight. The new initiative saves the Air Force money because cords can be repaired instead of purchased new each time they are broken.

After visiting the flightline, Boyer met with Tech. Sgt. Leif Kuester, 314th AMXS propulsion craftsman, and four Airmen who were servicing propellers and checking the hydraulic fluid levels.

Additionally, Boyer met with Col. Robert Ator, 189th Airlift Wing commander. During this visit, Ator explained the deep rooted partnership the 189th AW and the 314th AW share to accomplish the schoolhouse mission.

Boyer finished the day by spending time with technical school Airmen where they were given the opportunity to ask various questions about topcis that included their roles and futures in the Air Force.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Senior Airman Yia Thao, a 19th Airlift Wing Judge Advocate paralegal, was raised in an environment where he learned the concept that hard work reaps great rewards. The work ethic and dedication that builds a better future runs deep in his family and continues through Thao and his siblings today.

Thao was born in Thailand in the American refugee camp of Bamvinah. Throughout his childhood, he watched his parents use their skills in agriculture to ensure their family would be successful. His parents came to the refugee camp from the jungles of Thailand and built a family with the means they were given. They learned early to be innovative because of the resources they lacked.

The family was provided several opportunities in the refugee camp that contributed to their quick and successful assimilation to the American way of life. From learning basic English to being introduced to things many people take for granted, the Thaos were prepared for the culture shock the U.S. often presents.

“There were a lot of opportunities in the refugee camp. There were English teachers, and C-130s would drop off food and stuff,” said Thao. “For my parents, it was going from living in the jungle and being similar to hunter-gatherers to saying, ‘Oh look, there’s a TV right in front of us.’ They spent 15 years in the refugee camp. It was like a 180 for them, and I think they saw even more opportunity for us if we left.”

During the Vietnam War, Thao’s uncle, at 15 years old, became a scout for the U.S. forces. His uncle is one of the main reasons why he and his family were able to move to America. His uncle was given the opportunity to become an American citizen and in turn provided his family a placement in a special lottery to become citizens as well.

Moving from the refugee camp when he was only 2 years old, he relocated to Wisconsin with other families who had the same fortune as he and his parents.

“My parents and I, not knowing English, we had to move to a community where there were other Hmong people,” said Thao. “And, of course, every Hmong person is related to one another somehow so it made it easier for us.”

The change for Thao’s family was immense. He and his parents were immediately placed in an unfamiliar and busy industrial environment. After living in a refugee camp for years and dedicating a lifetime building on agricultural skills, Thao’s parents were forced to learn a completely different way of life.

Thao and his family learned to adapt to the new environment and way of living not by choice but by sheer necessity. After working in a factory for some time and being exposed to the industrial lifestyle, they soon realized they missed the freedom and nostalgia of working with the ground. So the Thaos moved to Missouri, where they invested their time and money into owning and operating their own chicken and produce farm.

“To see my parents coming from the jungle, to owning and running the farm and running a very successful business, I realize the platform that I’ve been given is such an advantage compared to what they had,” said Thao. “I should be just as hard-working and determined as they were and maybe be even better off later.”

With 11 younger brothers and sisters, Thao learned reliability and hard work are essential to success. Living on the farm, the children would all do their part to take care of the farm and the family.

“Every kid helped, no matter how old you were,” said Thao. “I remember waking up at 5 a.m. to work. I really wanted to play basketball growing up, but I couldn’t because I had to work on the farm.”

Learning at an early age that sacrifices sometimes needed to be made to accomplish a more important goal, Thao explained that you might miss out on some things, but you are provided much more in return, such as close family ties and seeing the fruits of your labor.

Other obstacles were part of Thao’s lifestyle growing up. The language barrier played a significant factor during the early years of Thao’s life. Whether it was simply trying to answer a question in class or trying to make friends at school, the effort that many take for granted was something Thao struggled with every day.

“Going to school for the first time and not knowing English was hard,” said Thao. “My parents read to us every night to help us learn English. They realized that it was such a disadvantage for us and did everything they could to help us learn it.”

The success of Thao and his family and their opportunity to come to the U.S. did not happen by circumstance. Their family history of American aid during the Vietnam conflict provided them the opportunity that many other refugees would never have.

Thao explained that the U.S. has given him and his family so much that he felt not joining or giving something back would never satisfy him.

“If I became a billionaire and never served the country that gave me the opportunity to become a billionaire, it would never satisfy me as a person,” said Thao. “I love the Air Force culture and being able to be part of a bigger system to see the mission get done, whether on the enlisted side or the commissioned side.”

Recently, Thao became an American citizen. Because he is a military member, the process was streamlined and cost nothing at all. Normally, the process can take anywhere from two months to three years or more and could cost thousands of dollars.

“It was awesome,” said Thao. “The military made it very easy for me to become an American citizen and I am very grateful. Growing up in the U.S., it was always a little bit embarrassing when someone asked me if I was an American citizen and I had to say no. Now I can say ‘yes’ freely.”

Thao encourages people to keep things simple. He said that nothing is ever too complicated. It might be as simple as breaking something down into smaller steps. He explained that investing in yourself is important as well, whether you want to be smarter, more athletic or healthier. He encourages people to make time for others and themselves.

On Feb. 5, Thao was selected for the Airman Scholarship Commissioning Program. The program offers active duty enlisted personnel, who can complete all bachelor degree and commissioning requirements in 2 to 4 years, the opportunity to earn a commission as an Air Force ROTC cadet. Thao said he plans to attend the University of Arkansas to complete his degree in political science.

Your eyes are fixed to the target. Lifting the bow, simultaneously pulling the draw string back, you align your shot. Taking in a deep breath and slowly exhaling, you release the string then watch the arrow fly through the air and stick into the target. The shot is just another bull’s-eye at the Archer’s Elite Archery Club.

The Archer’s Elite Archery Club is a place for all bow hunters and archery enthusiasts to practice, hone and share their skills in a safe environment. Some enjoy the opportunity to meet new friends who share the same primal pastime.

Many people may be unaware of the range on base. It is located down the road from the horse stables. Currently the archery range on base is closed until enough individuals show interest and sign up.

“We are in need of more people to get the archery club up and running,” said Tech Sgt. Bradley Moore, the Archer’s Elite Archery Club point of contact. “We need to buy more targets and do a little maintenance around the grounds.”

The yearly dues for single individuals are $45 and $55 for families.

Archery takes practice, patience and a little strength. It is a great recreational activity and also competitive sport. Many archers find the sport to be a great way to get outside and spend time with family and friends, while providing a healthy way to relax and release built up stress.

Archers can choose from shooting at the regular practice range or at an elevated shooting range to simulate being in a tree stand.

Team Little Rock maintainers packed their bags and hugged their families goodbye one final time before deploying to support the Combat Airlift mission downrange. Approximately 90 members from the 19th Maintenance Squadron, 314th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron and 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron filled the passenger terminal waiting for their time to go downrange.

Mixed emotions of high-fives and well wishes, shared with tears and kisses filled the room.

As the deployers left their friends and families behind, the blue buses parked outside symbolized to the Airmen a ticket to support the mission, but to the family months of sadness.

Before heading out, leadership from the maintenance squadrons offered encouragement and support.

“I told them to do everything they do over there just like they would at home station,” said Capt. Kelly Collier, 19th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron maintenance operations officer. “We fight like we train.”

Collier explained that this is the last maintainer deployment rotation this year before Dyess maintainers take over the tasking.

“We, as Little Rock, will be deployed for a total of one year, we are simply changing out personnel after 6 months in the area of responsibility,” said Collier. “Swapping out our personnel allows us to get more maintainers experience in the deployed location and eases the burdens of deployments by sending two groups of personnel for six month rotations.”

“Most of them are excited, the toughest part of deploying is the transition,” said Senior Master Sgt. Shauna Raduske, 19th AMXS first sergeant.

Although, leaving friends and families weighed on the deployers mind, they focused on the task at hand; the mission downrange.

Friday, March 6, 2015

It was late in the evening at the Alexandria, Louisiana, landing zone. The starless sky was a beautiful midnight blue, and the occasional crisp winds were a refreshing complement to the cool temperature.

Airmen united from several Air Force bases to precisely execute the GREEN FLAG LITTLE ROCK 15-04 exercise. This part of the mission was to simulate the procedures for an aeromedical evacuation.

Most Airmen participating in the exercise were working 12-hour shifts, but that wasn’t obvious– they still had enough energy to tell jokes and make what would be a long night, a great experience.

Everyone contributed to the mission.

Parts of the team handled the logistics, making sure all medical equipment arrived to its desired location in a timely manner. Flight nurses, medical technicians and communications Airmen participating as the aeromedical evacuation team went over plans, re-checked the checklist, and got into place as the time to begin drew nearer. The rest of the group, the aircrew, were responsible for flight operations.

All roles were accounted for, and now all that was needed were the patients.

The arrival of a white 15-passenger van alerted everyone that it was showtime.

As the back doors opened, three training dummies simulated injuries ranging from head trauma, chest wounds, shrapnel to severe burns. There was also an Airman playing the role of a mental health patient.

One by one, patients were carefully carried from the van to the C-17. Using their self-aid buddy-care training, teams of two lifted, carried and placed the patients, strapped to litters, onto the stanchions. Just like any other type of cargo loading procedure, an assembly line of Airmen directed the transport by using hand signals which were initiated by Lt. Col. Debbie Deja, the medical crew director.

The roar of the C-17 added to the difficulty of hearing, so clear communication was vital. All eyes stayed fixed on Deja. No one moved unless there was a thumbs up and no one stopped unless she formed an x with her arms.

Just as the third patient was safely placed on the stanchion, another 15 passenger van, loaded with three more patients pulled up and the process repeated.

After the last patient was secure, the logistics crew signed off, and the AE team prepared for part two of the exercise. And as the loading dock closed, the team simulated hooking oxygen to the patients.

Once all 25 passengers on the plane were seated and secure, (eight AE team members, eight aircrew members, six training dummies, an acting mental health Airman and two Public Affairs members), the C-17 took off and the organized chaos subsided.

An announcement from the pilot allowed the AE team to begin to move again around the plane now that they were inflight.

The aircrew and AE team ironed out procedures and discussed operational risk management in a group huddle in the center of the plane, ensuring everyone was on the same page.

The aircrew performed their flying duties and the AE team began treatment for the patients.

Step by step, the team read scenarios and operated as needed to treat the injuries of the patients. They managed to accurately execute their skills through the turbulence and loud clatter of the plane. Treatment ranged from CPR to restraining a mental health patient who tried to retrieve owed money from another patient.

As the simulated patients were stabilized, Deja, who is new to being a flight nurse, applauded her team for a job well done and handed out Snickers to everyone on board.

“The number one priority is training and learning something new,” said Deja. “It’s important to practice because we need to be prepared to go to war at any time, and we don’t get to do this a whole lot. I thought we did really well. I’m very happy with our performance.”

There were Airmen participating from numerous Air Force bases, and each person brought a different perspective to the team.

“It’s good working with people from other bases because you can see how other people are doing things,” she said. “There’s multiple ways to get the same results and you get to meet new people.”

All medical bags were closed. The checklists were put down and the team was able to relax. Some caught up on some sleep, others pulled out snacks, and there were those who just sat with their head laid back, eyes closed, drowning out the noise of the C-17. As they headed back to Alexandria, the AE team was satisfied and confident–feeling like their mission was accomplished.

Team Little Rock members took an important break from their daily routines Feb. 27 and turned their focus to the most important resource the Air Force has to offer, its Airmen.

During this year’s Winter Wingman Day, more than 60 classes offered in more than 140 time slots were made available for Airmen, Air Force civilians and full-time staff of the Air National Guard and Reserves. Only one objective was in mind: encourage every Airman to enhance their lives and the lives of those that they surround themselves with.

“The goal of Winter Wingman Day was to give Airmen the tools they needed to improve in areas where they felt they needed it,” said Stephanie Wynn, the 19th Airlift Wing community support coordinator.

The expectation for everyone is to have the ability to withstand, recover and grow in the face of stress and adversity. But why do some people have the ability to let life’s misfortunes roll off their back, while others get caught up in difficult circumstances and may feel there is no hope at all? Learning to deal with those events is a goal of Winter Wingman Day, said Wynn.

“Everyone is different,” said Wynn. “No two Airmen are the same. The way I handle something isn’t the same way someone else would handle it, and that’s why we do this. It’s important that we accommodate the needs of our Airmen.”

No matter what, the Airmen to your left and right are your wingman, and these classes can not only help you with issues in any of the Comprehensive Airmen Fitness domain, they can teach you how to help a friend.

For more information on Wingman Day or to learn about the Leadership Pathways learning opportunities, visit http://www.littlerock.af.mil/leadershippathways/.

If you attended any class during Winter Wingman Day, Wynn would appreciate your feedback. Email her your thoughts at stephanie.wynn@us.af.mil

The 2015 Air Force Assistance Fund campaign is underway, and The Rock is rolling right into action.

From now until April 11, members of the Air Force will have the opportunity to raise money and contribute to the AFAF. This year, Team Little Rock’s goal is approximately $79,000.

Each base squadron has individual goals based on 23 percent participation from its members.

The overall objective is for 100 percent contact and at least 90 percent participation in the drive.

The Air Force Assistance Society was established in 1942 to provide a yearly effort to raise funds for active-duty service members, retirees, reservists, guard members and their dependents to include surviving spouses who are in need of emergency aid.

Airmen can contribute by having an allotment set up through MyPay or through a one-time contribution. When contributing with an allotment, a minimum of one dollar each month for at least three months is mandatory. One-time contributions made by check or cash have no minimum amount.

Some Airmen may think that they don’t make enough money to give or their emergencies aren’t aid worthy. However, the AFAF has a broad range of helping programs. Donations go from a dollar to thousands of dollars and emergencies from medical to travel.

Master Sgt. Ryan Atkinson, 19th Operations Group C-130J loadmaster superintendent, knows the impact of giving to AFAF. He used it as a senior airman in 2000 to travel home on emergency leave for the funeral of his grandmother. In no time, Atkinson was on a plane, heading to Montana, with less stress than if he had to figure out travel plans and finances, as well as focus on his grieving family.

“The assistance was completed by the end of the duty day,” he said. “The AFAS office completed all the paperwork and any research needed to purchase airplane tickets. There was no stress for me due to their hard work.”

Like most Airmen, Atkinson had the many AFAS briefings he heard locked somewhere in the bottom of his memory, so he didn’t even think that this assistance was an option.

“I had heard the usual briefings and pitches about AFAS but didn’t give it a thought to use them,” he said. “It was my supervisor that pushed me to go over to the office and talk to a representative.”

And though a life wasn’t saved in this case, an Airman got a chance to say goodbye to a dear family member- a memory he wouldn’t have without AFAS.

“I have never felt that my request was as significant as some of the stories I have heard, (hospital bills, grants, family care), but the fact that there was an office willing to help me with my small need with no questions asked, is absolutely top notch. My need was pennies compared to what the AFAS helps with. I just hope we can continue to keep this program running for future Airmen and their families.”

There are many avenues to receive information on the AFAS. Chaplains, first sergeants and the Airman and Family Readiness Center all provide Airmen with resourceful information that can point them in the right direction in order to give or receive assistance.

“I think that it is very important for everyone to donate what they can,” he said. “After seeing the briefing during the kickoff breakfast [Tuesday], I realized that the AFAS spends more than it receives. Without the donations from the Airmen, they wouldn’t be able to help in the magnitude they do.”

For more information on the AFAF, its mission and objectives, visit www.afassistancefund.org or contact Peggy Stafford, the Little Rock AFB AFAF coordinator, located at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. Airmen can also speak with their unit AFAF representative.

“Airmen Powered by Innovation seeks good and innovative ideas on how we can better leverage the existing dollars we have and ultimately fly, fight and win. The future of the Air Force starts with you and delivering airpower requires all of us working together as an unbeatable team. Every Airman, every day, can make a difference.” – Gen. Larry Spencer, the Air Force vice chief of staff.

Airman Powered by Innovation is the foundation for empowering Airmen to make every dollar count and is intended to be an engine for innovation across the Air Force. API is an airman’s avenue to share breakthrough ideas and submit ideas that affect cost savings, quality, productivity, cycle time, process improvement and morale.

The success of money and time-saving innovations are critical to the Air Force’s ability to operate in this fiscally constrained environment.

The local program at Little Rock Air Force Base became effective Monday.

“The local API program is a two-fold approach,” said Capt. John Sheridan, a member of the 19th Airlift Wing Commander’s Action Group. “Our first objective is to implement local solution-based ideas rapidly. We plan to accomplish this by presenting the 19th AW commander with proposed new ideas weekly.”

Additionally, the local Process Improvement Office will work with the Air Force API Idea Cell at the office of the Secretary of the Air Force to submit completed innovation ideas up the chain of command.

This step will increase the chances of approval and potential monetary awards addressed in Air Force Instruction 38-402. This local expertise and assistance comes free of charge to include any associated local-area recognition!

“This will provide an individual’s innovation idea with the greatest chance of Air Force level implementation,” said Sheridan.

New methods of tracking will ensure Airmen’s innovative ideas are shared and potentially replicated across the service and measured to confirm the anticipated savings.

The Air Force level API website is functional and transparent, allowing all Airmen – Active, Guard, Reserve and civilian – to submit their ideas anywhere in the world with common access card-enabled Air Force Portal access. Its simplicity and streamlined process also enables and empowers Airmen at the most junior level to submit their idea(s).

“We want to hear from you, so keep thinking about those good ideas, and look for more information on the API program from our Process Improvement Office,” said Col. Patrick Rhatigan, 19th AW commander, in a recent Herk Call. “The Air Force is changing, and it is our innovative Airmen who will lead the way.”

If you have an innovative idea you are interested in submitting or have any questions about submitting, email 19AW.CCX.API@us.af.mil or call (501) 987-7145.